Foot-measuring machine



Nov. 3, 1953 B. D. SPENCER 2,657,463

FOOT-MEASURING MACHINE Filed March 5, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVEN TOR. Burdel/ 0. Spencer ATTORNEY B. D. SPENCER 2,657,463

FOOT-MEASURING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Nov. 3, 1953 Fig. 7.

IN V EN TOR. Burde/l 0. Spencer Filed March 5, 1952 Patented Nov. 3, 1953 2,657,463 FOOT-MEASURING MACHINE Burdell D. Spencer, Oxon Hill, Md., assignor to the United Statesof America as represented bythe Secretary of the Army Application March5, 1952, Serial No. 274,992

Claims. (01. ss 3) (Granted under Title 35, U. s. Code (1952),

' sec. 266) The invention described herein, if patented, may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes,..without the payment to me of any royalty thereon.

My'invention' relates to a foot-measuring machine. A primary object of the invention is to provide a device or machine for taking several critical-correlated measurements of-the foot, substantially simultaneously, and thereby facilitating accurate and scientific fitting of footwear.

Afurtherobject of the invention is to provide a foot-measuringmachine capable of making several correlated foot measurements, andyet not being unduly complicated or difilcult to operate.

A further object isto provide a foot-measuring machine-whichis extremely compact and simplified in construction, sturdy and durable, and relatively inexpensive to build.

"A further object is to provide afoot-measuring machine which measures the length andwidth ofthe fo0t,taking into consideration-other critical measurements such as instep height, toe length and girth or -thickness of the foot, so that the final footwear size measurements indicated by the machine are substantially ideal for any particular footwhich is measured.

A'still further object is to provide a device of the above-mentioned character which will greatly facilitate rapidly measuring the feet of service personnel and the like by unskilled technicians.

O-ther objects and advantages of the invention will be apparentduring the course of the follow: ing description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part,

of this application, and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Figure 1 is a plan view of a foot-measuring machine embodying my invention, part broken,

trate the slope of an inclined cam surface, and.

rotated 90 degrees,

Figure 6 is a fragmentaryvertical sectiontaken on-line-G-B of Figure 1, v

Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of the machine,

Figure 8 is a horizontal cross section on line 88 of Figure 5, and rotated degrees,

Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of an instep gage rod and associated elements,

Figure 10 is a fragmentary vertical section taken on line l9l0 of Figure l, and,

Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of a scale bearing plunger.

Inthe drawings, Where for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral H] designates a generally fiat rectangular base or support plate, adapted to rest upon a floor or other suitable flat support. The support plate [0 is horizontally disposed in use, and includes a substantially flat horizontal body portion or web H and a relatively narrow depending marginal vertical flange i2, integral therewith to maintain the body portion H spaced from the floor or the like. The support plate I0 is preferably formed as an aluminum casting, or the like, although any suitable material may be employed.

. A fixed upright heel abutment I3 is rigidly mounted upon an elevated ledge I i, preferably formed integrally withthe support plate Iii near one marginal side of the same. The thickness of the ledge l4 approximates the thickness of the.

heel-of anaverage mans shoe, and the abutment l 3.projects abovethe ledge M for a suflicient distance to firmly engage the rear of the heel of a foot to be measured by the machine.

A straight longitudinal guide slot i5 is formed in the support plate lflnear its transverse center, and this slot has its rear end It terminating a substantial distance forwardly of the heel abut-' ment l3, and the slot I5 is arranged near and slightly beyond one side of the heel abutment l 3. The. forward end I! of the slot 15 terminates a substantial distance rearwardly of the forward end of the support plate Hi, and the slot is arranged generally centrally, of the support plate, although spaced somewhat laterally from its theoretical longitudinal center line through the center of the heel abutment 13. An adjustable block or. key I8 is mounted within the slot l5 for longitudinal sliding movement, and has lower guide elements or shoulders 15 which engage the bottom of the support plate and prevent upward displacement of the block 18 within the slot. A gage, element or head 2t is detachablyrigidly secured to the block l8 for movement therewith, and the gage element 20 slidably contacts the top of the support plate I ll'uponopposite sidesof the slot H5. .The gage element gois provided in its adjustably mounted within a longitudinal slot ,25 formed in the support plate In near and parallel to the slot IS. The scale 24 bears foot length orsize. (QM-l ations 26, covering the range 91f -standard,;fo o,t.-

wear sizes, and the scale is preferably graduated.

in full and half sizes, as shown- A trgansverse scribe line 21 is provided upon the scale 24 near its rear end, for alignment with either of two 4 scribe lines 28, provided upon the support plate ID at longitudinally spaced points along the slot.

25. The scribe line 21 is aligned with the forward nost scribe line 28 when the foot is to be measured for heavy duty orwork-type footwear, requiring a lesser toe'clearance, and with the reai most scribe line 28 when the foot -is to be measured for a dress-type oxford, or the like, requiringa greater toe clearance, due tothe more pointed toeconstruotion, The scale 24 is held within the slot by means of depending pins 29 or the like, rigidly secured thereto near its opposite ends, and extending through the slot 25 to the bottom of the plate. Snap rings 30 or the like are mounted upon the pins 29 below the support plate In toprevent upward displacement of the-pins and scale 24. The scale 24 preferably has a fairly snug sliding fit within the slot 25, so that itwill remain in the selected adjusted position but can readily be shifted longitudinally of the slot 25 manually.

The block 18 carries a short depending extension pin 3!, integral therewith and extending below the supportplate body portion II, and slidably engaging withina slot 32 formed in the inner end of a first horizontal transverse arm 33, having its outer endpivoted at 34 to the bottom of the support plate in for horizontal swinging movement beneath the plate. A second transverse arm 35 is arranged rearwardly of the arm 33 and par lle h with, endhe i outer e pivotedat 35 to th bottom o the s pp t pla It), so that the arm 35 mayswing horizontally el w t s por m e- Th 'arm 5 s so what longer thanthearm 33 and is provided in s inne d it a slot 3 .sl ebl receivin a depending vertical pin extenfiion 38, integrally secured to a lower flat slide 39, in turn preferably formed integral with a block or key 46, ,slidably mounted within the slot I5 ,.rearward1y, of the block I8. .The-lowerslide 39.isd isposed below th body portion H and slidably engages the, same,

and prevents upward displacementof the block 40 from the slot l5. -An upper. slide,,4l is dehe ly ri idly mount d up nblock 4 ab e t o y Portion U n s i eb ren ases the same upon opposite sides of the slot 15. The upper slide 41 prevents downward displacement oi the block 40 in the slot. l5. Since the pivot 36 for the arm 35 is in longitudinal alignment withv the pivot 34, and thearm 35 is longer than therarm 3 3, as previously stated, the slot 31 and e e d n p n e t on 8 a e rran d, b

yond the inner side of the slot i5, as shown, hi e e endins in xt n n .1. i dispo ed at the center of the slot .l 5.

upstandingyertical member or post 42, has

of the block 40, Figure 3, and extends above the its lower end rigidly secured within an openin support plate ID for a substantial distance. Near the top of the post 42, the same is provided with an enlarged integral shoulder 43, carrying a reduced upstanding extension 44, likewise integral with the post 42. .A sleeve.45 is rotatably mounted upon the extension 44 and engages the shoulder 43. A horizontal transverse gage rod 46 is rigidly secured within an opening of the sleeve and extends beyond the inner side of the slot l5 and across the instep of the footto be measured. The gage1rod46 is, spaced a substantial distance forwardly .of theheeliabutment l3, and the gage rod is adaptedto swing horizontally above the support. plate 1.0 when the sleeve 45 rotates. The reduced extension 44 is provided near its top end with a groove receiving a snap ring 41, against which .therupper end of a compressible coil spring 48 bears. The lower end of the spring 48 engages the sleeve 45 to hold the same against the shoulder 43. A spring-pressed ball detent 49 is .carried by the sleeve 45 and engages within a notch 50, formed in the reduced extension 44, at a point diametrically opposite the gage rod 46, Figure 3. A horizontal scale plate 5| is integrally secured to the sleeve 43 and extends transversely beyond the outer side of the slot I5, and has an arcuate graduated scale 52 provided thereon near its outermost end, for coaction with a horizontal pointer 53, rigidly secured to the rotatable sleeve 45 at a point diametrically opposite the gage rod 46 and below the ball detent 49.

-A third transverse horizontal arm 54, longer than the first and second arms 33 and 35, is disposed beneath the support plate It! and has its outer end pivotally secured at 55 to the bottom of the support plate in longitudinal alignment with the pivots 3 4 and, 36. The transverse spacing between the arms 33 and 54 is materially greater than that between the arms 33 and 35, as shown. The threearms 35, 33 and 54 are permanently connectedin parallel relation by means of longitudinal connecting links or bars 56, arranged above and below the arms 35, 33 and 54, and pivotally secured thereto by vertical pins 51, held against vertical displacement by snap rings 58 or the like. The connecting links 56 form with the arms 35, 33 and 54 a pantograph linkage, the operation of which will be described. Whenever anyone of the three arms 35, 33 and 54 swings horizontally beneath the support plate In, the other arms travel with it through the same angle and remain parallel. The innermost end of the arm 54 terminates substantially at the longitudinal center line of the foot being measured, and in substantial alignment with the heel abutmerit l3, as shown in Figure l. The inner end of the arm 54 has a slot 59, slidably receivin a depending pin 60, rigidly secured to a block or key 6|, slidably mounted in a longitudinal slot 62, formed in the support plate 16 near the forward end of the same. 'I'he'slot 62 is parallel to the slot l5 and spaced laterally of the same, and the slot 62 is disposed near the longitudinal center line of the foot to be measured and directly forwardly of the heel abutment H. The rearmost portion of the slot 62 overlaps the forwardmost portion of the slot l5, as shown, while the slot 25 is substantially longitudinally coextensive with the slot l5. The block 6| and pin 66 are heldagainst upward displacement by a snap ring 63 or the 1ike,-secured to the pin below the arm 54, Figure 10. Above the top surface of the support plate In, the block 64 has lateral flanges 64 which slidably engage the top of the base plate on opposite sides of the slot 5. 62 to prevent downward displacement of the blockBl.

An upstanding transverse vertical toe abutment or wall 65 is preferably formed integral with the block 6| at the rear end of the same, and this abutment G5 is arranged at right angles to the slot 62 and extends beyond the opposite sides of the same, and is disposed in alignment with the heel abutment I3, Figure 1. A horizontal transverse gage wire 66 is carried by the abutment B5 and spaced rearwardlythereof, in parallel relation thereto. The abutment 65 and gage wire 66 travel with the block 6| longitudinally of the slot 62, in response to horizontal swinging movement of the arm 54. The gage wire 66 is secured to the top of the abutment 55, as shown, and is therefore spaced above the base plate l sufficienly to accommodate the toes of the foot beneath it.

Itmay now be seen that when the gage element 29 is shifted longitudinally in the slot l5, the blocks 40 and Bi and their associated elements will also move longitudinally within the longitudinal slots I and 62. The extent of longitudinal movement of the elements connected with the arms 35, 33 and 54 will be different, since these arms have different lengths. This mode of operation and its significance will be further amplified. The elements of the machine thus far described are concerned with measuring the length of the foot preparatory to providing footwear of the proper length size.

Means are also provided to measure the width of the foot, taking into consideration its girth or thickness near the ball of the foot. Such means are coordinated with the foot-length measuring elements of the machine and all of the critical foot measurements are correlated and made substantially simultaneously, as will be seen.

The support plate I9 is further provided near its side remote from the pivots 35, 34 and 55 with a generally longitudinal straight slot .51, spaced laterally from the slot [Sand outwardly of the side of the heel abutment [3 remote from the slot I5. The slot 61 is disposed at an acute angle to.

the longitudinal center line of the foot and slot IS. The amount of this angle represents the amount of variation of foot width with variations in foot length measured on the scale 24.

slidably mounted within the slot 61 is a block 68 provided below the support plate H) with lateral flanges or shoulders 69 which extend beyond the opposite sides of the slot 61. A slide plate 10 is detachably rigidly mounted upon the block 68 above the support plate I0 and extends upon opposite sides of the slot 61, so that the block 68 is held against vertical displacement. An upstanding transverse T-shaped key element H is integrally secured to the slide plate!!! and projects above the same for engagement within a T-shaped groove 12 formed in a carriage 13, slidably engaging the key element "H and slide plate 10. The carriage 13 is provided at its inner end with an upstanding vertical abutment or wall 14 of substantial length and preferably formed integral therewith. This abutment I4 is parallel to the slot I5 and arranged at right angles to the toe abutment 65 and heel abutment l3. The abutment I4 is adapted to engage the outer side of the foot rearwardly of the small toe and substantially opposite the gage element 29.

Near the forward end of the vertical abutment 14 an upstanding sleeve 15 is integrally secured to the same, and this sleeve has a vertical bore 15, slidably receiving for vertical reciprocation. a plungerll, held agaimtrotation by a pin 18, slidably engaging a keyway or slot in the side of the plunger ll, Figure 4. V The plunger 11 has an upper reduced extension; 19, integral therewith, and a vertically movable collar is slidably mounted upon the extension 19,- and is constantly urged upwardly by a compressible coil spring 81 surrounding the extension'1 9 between the collar 80 and a shoulder 82 formed upon the plunger 11. Upward movement of the collar 80 is limited by a snap ring 83 or the like secured to the top of the extension 19. The spring 8| normally holds the collar 80 against the snap ring 83. A horizontal transverse foot thickness or girth gage rod 84 is rigidly secured within an opening formed in the side of the collar 80, and this gage rod extends over the foot at the ball joint. The plunger 11 and gage rod 84 are arranged laterally opposite the gage element 20, as shown in Figure 1. The collar 80 is preferably provided at a point diametrically op posite the gage rod 84 with an operating extension or handle 85, integral therewith for use 'in' shifting the gage rod 84 downwardly into contact with the top of the foot. p

The upstanding sleeve 75 is provided upon its outer side with a pair of spaced vertical lugs 86, integral therewith, and an elongated curved transverse cam follower or lever 81 is pivoted at 88 between the lugs 86. A vertical passage or slot 39 is formed in the side of the sleeve 15 between the lugs 86, and leads into the vertical bore 16. The cam lever 81 carries an inner ball end 90,'engaging within a small opening 9| formed in the adjacent side of the plunger 11 near the lower end of the same, Figure 4, and the ball end of the cam lever 81 operates within the vertical slot 89. A compressible coil spring 92 is mounted within the lower end of the bore 16 and has its upper end engaging the bottom of the plunger 11 to urge the same upwardly. The bottom of the sleeve 15 may slidably contact the top of the support plate [0, as shown.

The cam lever 81 has its outer depending portion 93 slidably contacting a flat inclined cam surface 94, formed upon the support plate I0 beyond the outer side of the slot El and extending from substantially the forward end of this slot to a point near and rearwardly of its longitudinal center, Figure 1. The cam surface 94 is disposed at a compound angle of inclination to the horizontal support plate I 0, and the cam surface slopes downwardly toward the forward or toe end of the support plate in the longitudinal direction, and downwardly toward the slot IS in the transverse direction, see Figures 3, 4 and 5. The cam surface 94 is, however, flat, smooth and in the plane, and preferably generally rectangular in shape, as shown in Figure 1. The precise compound angle of inclination of the cam surface 94 is predetermined from compilations of foot measurements of both the width and thickness of the foot near the ball joint. The spring 92 urges the plunger 11 upwardly and maintains the depending portion 93 of the cam lever in contact with the cam surface 94 at all times. The area of the cam surface is sufficient to engage the cam lever 81 in all adjusted positions of the block 68 Within the slot 67. The reduced extension 19 carries a visible foot width indicating scale 95, calibrated in foot width sizes ranging from A to quadruple E, with the wider foot width sizes arranged near the uppermost end of the scale 95, Figure 5. A notch 99 is preferably formed in the top of the collar 80 for alignment with the parscale 95 is made by aligning the :top surface of thecollar 80 with the particular-graduation of the scale 95, but the foot width designation or. letter is read throughthe notch 96. This foot width.

reading is made after the gage rod isshifted downwardly into firm contact withthe-top of the foot, as previously stated. When-the extension 85 is released, the spring 8| returns the collar 80 to the top of the reduced extension 19.

Driving connecting means including an endless flexible cable 97 are provided near and below the support plate i0. One horizontal run 98 of the cable 91 extends longitudinally of the slot 45 directly below the same and through a small opening '89 formed longitudinally in the block [8, Figure 4. Therun 98 of the cable is fixedly secured to the block 18 by a clamping setscrew 'll'lll, engaging within a horizontal screw-threaded opening formed in one side of the block i8. The run 98 also extends through a clearance opening'or passage l! formed in the slide 39. The cable run 98 is freely slidable within-the opening NH, and must be, since the blocks 18 and 40 move for different distances within the slot I5,

The. cable 9'! is trained about grooved pulleys F03 and 184 near the ends of the slot 1 5, which pulleys are j'ournaled freely on vertical dependingstubshafts Hi and IE5, rigidly secured within openings formed inthe bottomof the support plate 10. A diagonal run it? of the cable extends across the bottom of the support plate is and is trained about a grooved pulley Hi8; jour naled upon a depending shaft H39, fixedly secured within an opening in the bottom of the support platef A further run N8 of the cable extends longitudinally beneath the-slot 6i and through an openingor passage Hi formed in the block 68, wherein the-run H8 is fixedly clamped by setscrews H2, or the-like. The-cabled? passes about another grooved pulley H3 near theforward end of the slot 81 which is journaled-u'pon a fixed depending shaft H4, rigidly secured with in an opening formed in the bottom of the support plate H). A further run H5 of the cable; substantially parallel to the run HG is trained about a grooved pulley Ht, arranged near the pulley-08, and likewise journaledupon afixed vertical shaft H1, rigidly mounted within a vertical opening formed in the bottom of the support plate It, The pulleyl i6 is at an elevation-sligh-tly below the pulley 198, Figure -2, so that theruns l0! and H5 may cross without interference. The final short transverse run H8 of the-cable leads back to the pulleylell, as shown in Figure 7. The entire cable 97 operates in a horizontal plane close to the bottom of the plate body portion H, as shown.

In the operation of the machine, the several critical foot measurements are correlated and can be made substantially simultaneously for accurately and scientifically determining the size of footwear most suitable for the particular individual. The machine measures the length of the foot from the heel to the ball joint of the bigtoe, while the heel is resting upon the ledge I4 which typifies the heel of a shoe. This important measurement is reflected in a direct size reading on the scale 24, when the gage element 20 is-shifted into engagement with theball joint of the big toe, as shown in Figure 1.

However, the proper length of the footwear cannot be finally determined by this single measurementalone, :as the vsever-al other critical measurements must be considered. If theioo't hasan abnormally. high or low instep, the length size may hayeto be adjusted to compensate for this. Accordingly, when the gage. element 20 is positioned against the ball joint of the foot, the pantograph linkage including the arm 35 will cause the block. 40 to assume an adjusted position in thev slot. 55. If the particular foot has a highinstep, the gage rod t6 will/contact the instepandcause the pointer :53 to. swing-to the right or counterclockwise along the scale :52, Figure 1.v If the pointer 53 moves beyond the right handendof the scale .52.,for a given position of the pointer .23, the next half size larger scale read-mg on the scale '24 must be selected, in order to bring the needle .53 .backonto the scale 152. which scale. represents the maximum variation in instep height permissible for a given. length size .readingon the scale 24. Cine. gage element 2:]. is therefore shifted forwardly in the 'slot It to bringthepointer 213 into alignment with the nextlarger scale marking 26 whichwillcau'se the pointer '53 to move back onto the scale If the foot has an exceptionally low instep,- the gage rod 46. will be spaced from the instep for a given setting of the gage element 28, and after the-gage element is in contactwith theball joint of the foot, the. gage. rod 46 should be swung manually to the right .or clockwise, Figure 1 until. itcontacts the instep. When this is done, and if the pointer 53 moves beyond theleft hand end of the scale 52, the gage element 2!) must be shifted rearwardly in the slot 15 to bring the pointer 23 adjacent. to the next smaller scale designation 2B which will cause the pointer 53 to move back onto the scale 52. The ideal con-. dition is shown in Figures 1 and 2,.wherein the gage rod 46 just contacts the instep, when the gage element 20 is properly engaging the ball joint of the foot, and the pointer 53 is at the middle of the tolerance scale 52.

Still another measurement must be made by the machine in finally determining the proper length. size for the footwear on the scale 2 This measurement is too clearance, as evidenced by the location of the vertical abutment 65 and gage wire 66, relative to the toes. These elements move whenever the gage element 2%! moves in the slot it, because of the action of the pantograph linkage including the armed. For. a given setting of the gage element 2E2, the position of theabutment 65 will indicate the longest allowable :toe length. In other words, the longest toe may just touch the abutment 65 but when so touching must not be cramped or uncomfortable. For the same setting of the gage element 2b, the forwardmost edge of the wire {56 indicates the shortest allowable toe length, and if the forward end of the longest toe does not extend at least. to the forward side of the wire 56, the next smaller designation 26 on the scale'lt must be selected which will bring the forward end of the too at least to the forward side of the wire 6t and preferably between this wireand the abutment 85, as ideally shown in Figure 1. To do this, the gageelement 2llis of course adjusted rearwardly in the slot 15. If the toes are cramped against the abutment as for a given setting of the gage element 26], the gage element must be moved forwardly in the slot 15 until the longest toe just touches or clearsthe abutment 65, and the pointer 23 will then indicate the true reading on the csale 24 which will report the ideal length size of footwear for the given foot. In some .Figure 2.

cases, a compromise will have to be made between the ideal position of the gage element 29 with respect to the ball joint of the foot, the ideal position of the gage rod 5,5 and the ideal position of the abutment 65. A filial setting of the gage element 29 will be made in any event which will come closest to satisfying the conditions indicated on the scale 52 andby the elements 55 and 66, together with the gage element 29, and this final setting of the gage element 29 will indicate on the scale 29 the proper length size for the footwear.

After the final adjustment of the gage element 29 for establishing the proper length size, the width of the footwear is determined by sliding the vertical abutment I4 into comfortable contact with the outer side of the foot and lowering the gage rod 84, until the same contacts the top of the foot adjacent to the ball joint, as shown in Thewidth size is then read directly from the scale 95'; by noting which scale graduation coincides with the top edge of the collar 80, Figure 5.

' When indicating the proper width at the scale. 95, for a given setting of the gage element 20,. the machine automatically compensates for variations in the thickness or girth of the foot at the ball joint. When the gage element 20 is adjusted in the slot I5, the 'block69 is simultaneously shifted in the same direction in the slot 61, because of its connection with the gage element 29 through the cable 91. The angle of the slot 61- with respect to the slot I5 represents the amount'of variation of foot width with variation in length. Alongerzfoot is normally expected to be wider andialso thicker than a shorter one'since the foot usually grows in all directions, but'this is not always the case, and a long foot may be unusually narrow or wide and also unusually thick or thin at the ball joint.

In any event, for a given setting ofthe gage element 20 the block-68 assumes a position in the slot 61 and the abutment I4 is shifted into contact with the adjacent side of the footbefore the gage rod 84 is lowered by means of the extension 85.

If the foot is unusually wide, a wider width size must be selected and this width must'be indicated on the scale 95. This means that the abutment 14 must be moved laterally an increased distance from the gage ele'mentZO. When this is done, by sliding the carriage I3 outwardly on the'key element" II, the cam lever 81 will have its outer end elevated and'its inner ball end 99 lowered, due to the inclination of the cam surface 94. This will lower the plunger 'i'I within the bore 76, and also lower the'scale-bearingextension I9 relative to the collar 89 which remains stationary due to the engagement of the gage rod 84 with the top of the foot. The lowering of the extension I9 will cause a wider width graduation near the top of the scale 95 to become aligned with the top edge of the collar 80, and this will indicate the width size which must be selected for the given foot having the given length size indicated by the pointer 23.

This correct width reading takes into consideration the thickness or girth of the foot through engagement of the gage rod'84 with'the top of the foot, as previously stated. When the foot is unusually thick, the gage rod 84 will assume a higher position relative to the extension I9, and the top of the collar 80 will be aligned with a wider width graduation on the scale 95, and this'is proper; since a foot of greater thickness 10 or girth at the ball joint should be provided with a wider shoe. Conversely, for a given setting of the abutment 14, if the foot is unusually thin and flat at the ball joint, the gage rod 84 and collar will assume a lower position on the extension I9, and the top of the collar 80 will be aligned with a narrower width graduation on the scale 95. This is correct since a thinner foot or one having less girth at the ball joint should have a correspondingly narrower size of footwear. It is thus seen that for a given setting of the gage element 20, which results in a given longitudinal adjustment of the abutment I4, and after this abutment is shifted into contact with the side of the foot, the machine automatically furnishes a width size reading which is proper for the particular width of the foot at the ball joint, as well as for the particular thickness or girth of the foot at this region.

When the foot is unusually narrow for a given length size on the scale 24, the abutment I4 must be shifted inwardly toward the slot I5, and when this is done the outer end of the cam lever 81 is lowered, due to the inclination of the cam surface 94, and its inner ball end is elevated, causing a. corresponding'elevation of the scale relative to the top of the collar 80, which remains fixed due to the engagement of the gage rod 84 with the top of the foot. Since the narrower width graduations on the scale 95 are at lower points on the scale, a narrower width graduation will be aligned with the top of the collar 30, and this will be the proper width size for the given foot, taking into consideration its girth or thickness, as previously described.

The machine also automatically compensates for another factonnamely that for increases in length size of footwear, there is normall an increase in the width and thickness of the foot. Whenever the gage element 29 is shifted forwardly in the slot I 5 to indicate a longer length size, the block 68 is also shifted forwardly in the slot 61. The cam surface 94 has a compound angle of inclination, as previously described, and also slopes downwardly toward the forward or toe end of the machine. This arrangement results in a lowering of the outer end 93 of cam lever 81 when the block 68 moves forwardly with the gage element 20. The inner ball end 90 of the cam lever is thereby raised, as is the scale-bearing extension I9. This brings a narrower width graduation near the lower end of the extension 19 into alignment with the top of the collar 80, which is proper, since the gage rod I34v has not been raised or lowered; If the gage element 20 is shifted rearwardly in the slot I5 to indicate a smaller length size, the block 68 will also be shifted rearwardly in the slot 6! and due to the inclination of the cam surface 94, the outer end of the cam lever 81 will be raised and the scale bearing extension I9 is lowered. This will result in a wider width size reading on the scale 95, which is proper for a shorter shoe length, the gage rod 84 still remaining at the same elevation.

It is to be noted that the gage rod 84 is always in substantial alignment with the gage element 20, for all adjusted positions of the latter. Actually a very slight error in this alignment. is present, 'due to the slight angularity of the slot 61. This error is proportional to the sine of the angle between the slots I 5 and 61, and is very small since the angle is small and may be neglected.

The machine thus selects accurately and scientifically the proper length size and width for the footwear and an ideal fit for a given foot is 1 1 obtained. Obviously} apparatusmust beFprovided' for measuring the l'eiit 'foot in an identical manner, if it is desired to: measure. both feet when fitting the footwear. If this isdesired, the

mechanism for measuring the other foot may be mounted upon the same support plate. I'O', which may be extended to accommodate the duplicate mechanism. This mechanismwill? be identical with that shown and "described in connection with the right foot; except: that the abutment 1'4, and associated elements will be reversed transversel y with respect-to the gage element ill-and associated linkage. In 'other'wor'ds, themechanism shown in Figure 1 will beinverted' for measuring the left foot but the construction of the various parts and their mode of operation is identical. If desired, the machinefor measuringthe left foot may be entirelyseparate from the machine for measuring theright foot, and separate support plates It may be? provided.

It is to be understood that the form or the invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in shape,- sizeand arrangement of parts maybe resorted to, without departing from the spirit'oi the invention! or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention I claim :1

-1. A foot-measuring machine comprising a support plate "having a first abutment'mounted thereon for engaging the heel of a foot; agage element connected with the support: plate and movabletoward and from the first abutment and adapted toengage thefoot forwardly'of the first abutment, there being-a length-size scale upon the support plate for co'action' with the gage ele- 'ment to determine the or length: size of the foot, a movable abutment =disposed substantially op posite the gage. element; andvcormected witlrthe gage element and movable longitudinally and transversely of the foot. when the gage element is moved'fa vertically reciprocatoryelement carried by'the movable abutment and bearing afoot width measuring scale; the support piaterhaving a cam surface formed thereon-nearsaid movable abutment," andcam; follower means connected with the vertically reciprocatory element and engaging the cam: surface and: causing reciprocation of the re'ci'procatory-elementwhen the movable abutment moves longitudinally or'transversely' of the-- foot.

7 '2. A foot-measuringmachi-ne comprising a -size indicating means connected. with: the support plate: and adapted to engage the toot forwardly of thefirstrabutment alongitudinallyand-trans.- versely movable; abutment connected with *the support plate nearone side of the foot and movable in responsetomovement of the-length-size indicating means, a: vertically reciprocatoryele ment' connected with the movable-abutment and having a foot width indicating scale-thereon, a substantially" horizontal gage rod-connected with the vertically reciprocatory element-and movable vertically-with relation thereto and adapted to contact the-top of the loot, andcam' operated means connected with-thefvertically reciprocatory element to. move the same vertically relative to the: gage: rod response to longitudinal. or transverse movement of the movable-abutment.

3. A footeineasuring, machine com-prising a support plate having arr abutment to be engaged by the heel and-having a first slot near one side of the foot and: extending; longitudinally thereof,

12 a. gage el'ement'connected with the: first slot; for movement longitudinally thereof-'1 and: adapted to engage the ball joint of the foot, there being a length-size indicating scale upon the support plate near the gage element for cooperation therewith to indicate the length size of the foot, the support plate havingz'a second slot near the opposite side of the foot and arranged: at: an angle to the first slot, a member connected. with the second slot for movement 'longitudinally thereof, driving connecting means between the member and said gage element, a movable abutment connected with. the member: for movement therewith longitudinally of the. second slot" and shiftable transversely of the member toward; and from the gage element, a vertically reciprocatory element connected: with the movable abutment and having a foot-width scale thereongthe support'plate' having an inclined cam surface: near said member, and a cam follower connected with the vertically reciprocatory-element to operate the same when themember moves; longitudinally within the second slot and when the movable 4. A foot-measuring machine comprising a firSt-long'itudinal-slot near one side of the foot and a. foot length measuring scaleextending longitudinally 'ofthe=slot, a gageel'ement connected with and adjustable longitudinally ofythe first slot-and adapted toindi'cate on the scale the length size of the foot when the gage element contacts the ball joint of-the foot-,: the support plate having'a second longitudinal slot'near the longitudinal center line of the foot, a. toe-clearance gage connected with and: adjustable longi tudinally of the second: slot and adapted to indicate the proper toe: clearance in foot wear; an instep gage: connected-with therfirst slot rear;- wardly of" Saidgage element and adjustable longitudinally of the first; slot and including a, part tocontact the instep-and. indicating the relative height of the instep, apantog'rapl'r linkage disposed-below the-"support plate: for movement in a substantially horizontal plane "and: connecting the gage element, toe-clearance gage and instep gage- "soithat such elements will move in unison longitudinally of the: foot, anad-jiustable foot width' mea-suring device co msrecteid with the sup.- port platea nd spaced laterally of the gage element and movable longitudinally and: transverse- 1y of the footand driving means including a cable between/said gage element and lastmeasuring device to cause the device to. move. in

unison-with the gage element, toe clearance: gage and instep gage the; cablebeing arranged below the support plate and operating, in a. substantially horizontal. plane 57-. A; foot-measuringv machine com-prising a support plate to receive the foot and having. an abutment to engagethe-heel. of the foot and being.- provided with a first longitudinal slot near one side ofthe foot, the support plate. having a scale thereon and extending longitudinally'of the first slot, a'gage element connected withthe first slot and movable longitudinally thereof and adapted to: indicateon the scale. length size of footwear when the'gagefelement registers with the balljoint of the'foohthe support platefhaving a second longitudinal slot spaced laterally of the first slot, a' toe-clearance. gage connected with the secondslotfor I movement longitudinally thereot an element connected with the first slot for movement longitudinally thereof and spaced from: the gage element-,7 an upstanding post. se-

cured to the last-named element, a substantially horizontal instep gage rod pivotally connected with the post and extending over the instep for contact therewith, a pantograph including pivoted arms, linkage connecting the gage element below the support plate, toe-clearance gage and saidelement for-movement'in unison in the first and second longitudinal slots, the support plate having a third generally longitudinal slot arranged'at an angle to the first and second slots, a carriage engaging the third slot and shiftable longitudinally thereof, driving connecting means between the carriage and gage element, and auto matically adjustable foot width measuring means connected with the carriage and operable in response to movements of the carriage.

6'. A foot-measuring machine comprising a support plate to receive the foot and having an abutment to engage the heel and provided with a first longitudinal slot forwardly of the abutment and extending near one side of the foot, there being a foot-length measuring scale upon the support plate near the first slot, a gage element connected with the first slot for movement longitudinally thereof and adapted to engage the ball joint of the foot and to indicate on the scale the length size of the foot, the support plate having a second longitudinal slot spaced laterally of the first slot, a toe-clearance gage connected with the second slot and movable longitudinally thereof, a member engaging the first slot rearwardly of the gage element and movable longitudinally of the first slot, a first arm pivotally connected with the support plate below the support plate and connected with the gage element. a second arm pivotally connected with the support plate below the support plate and connected with the toe-clearance gage, a third arm pivotally connected with the support plate below the support plate and engaging the member, a connecting link for the first, second and third arms and causing them to move in unison so that the gage element, toe-clearance gage and said member will move in unison within the first and second slots, an upstanding post carried by the member and having a scale-bearing extension, a substantially horizontal gage rod pivotally mounted upon the upstanding post and adapted to indicate on the scale bearing extension the relative height of the instep for a given setting of the gage element, and means connected with the support plate to measure the width of the foot.

'7. A foot-measuring machine comprising a support plate having an abutment to be engaged by the heel and provided with a first longitudinal slot extending near one side of the foot to be measured, there being a foot-length measuring scale upon the support plate near the first slot, a gage element slidably mounted within the first slot and movable longitudinally thereof and adapted to engage th ball joint of the foot and to indicate on the scale the length size of the foot, the support plate having a second longitudinal slot spaced laterally of the first slot, a toe-clearance gage slidably mounted within the second slot, a member slidably mounted within the first slot rearwardly of the gage element, a movable instep-gaging device carried by the member and adapted to indicate the relative height of the instep, depending pin extensions secured to the gage element, toe-clearance gage and member and projecting below the support plate, forked arms pivoted to the bottom of the support plate for swinging movement beneath 14 the same and engagingthedependingpinex tensions, a connecting link for the forked arms and permitting the same to oscillate in unison and cause the gage element, toe-clearance gage and said member to move in unison within the first and second slots, the support platehaving a third slot, a carriage connected with the third slot for' movement longitudinally therein, foot width indicating means connected. with the carriage and operated by movement of the carriage, and an endless cable connecting the gage element and carriage for movement in unison in the same direction and disposed below the support plate.

8. A foot-measuring machine comprising a support plate to receive the foot to be measured, movable means connected with the support'plate to measure the length of the foot, the support plate being provided near one side of the foot with a diagonal slot, a member engaging the slot and movable longitudinally thereof, a movable abutment element carried by the member and movable transversely of the foot and member, a vertically reciprocatory plunger connected with the abutment element and having a foot width scale provided thereon, a collar mounted upon the plunger for reciprocation relative thereto and having an edg for coaction with the scale .of the plunger, a substantially horizontal gage rod carried by the collar and adapted to extend over the foot to gage the thickness thereof, the support plate having an inclined cam surface arranged near a side of the diagonal slot, a vertically swingable cam lever pivoted to the abutment element and engaging the cam surface and connected with the plunger to elevate and lower the same, and a spring connected with the plunger and urging it in one direction and maintaining the cam lever in contact with the cam surface.

9. A foot-measuring machine comprising a support plate having a fixed abutment for engagement with the heel, adjustable foot length measuring means connected with the support plate for indicating the proper length size of footwear, a movable abutment arranged near one side of the foot and connected with the support plate and shiftable longitudinally and transversely of the foot, the support plate having a cam surfac near said movable abutment, the cam surface sloping downwardly toward the forward end of the foot in the longitudinal direction and sloping downwardly toward the adjacent side of the foot in the transverse direction, a vertically reciprocatory plunger connected with the movable abutment and having a scale thereon graduated in foot width sizes, the narrower foot width sizes being arranged near the lower end of the scale and the wider foot width sizes being arranged near the upper end of the scale, and a pivoted cam lever connected with the reciprocatory plunger and contacting the cam surface and connected with the reciprocatory plunger to elevate and lower the same in response to movements of the abutment relative to the cam surface in either the longitudinal or transverse directions.

10. A foot-measuring machine comprising a support plate to receive the foot and having a fixed abutment for engaging the heel of the foot, a foot length measuring scale carried by the support plate and extending longitudinally of the foot near one side of the same, the support plate having guide means near the scale and extending longitudinally thereof, a gage element connected with the guide means and movable lon- 15 g-itudinally thereof and adapted to engage the foot forwardly of the'heeLth gage element coacting with the scale to indicate the length size of the foot, means connected with the gage element: and support plate and movable inresponse to movements of the gage element and; adapted to indicate instep height and toe clearancefor the foot, movable foot width measuring-means connected with the support plate and including a. reciprocatory plunger having a foot width. scale thereon, said movable means having a gage part for coaction with the foot width scale of the plunger, cam means connected with the plunger to move the same in opposite directions for causing a particular graduation of the foot width scale to be aligned with said gage park and driving connecting means between saidgage element and" movable footwidth" measuringmeans, whereby adjustment of the gage element' wi'll 'cause'simult'aneons adjustment of the foot width measuring means and said piunge'n ieURDEIL Di SPENCER.

*Refe'fnces'fiitect in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

